Arman Tsarukyan’s Reaction to UFC 328 and His Path Toward a Lightweight Title Shot

At UFC 328, Khamzat Chimaev challenged reigning middleweight champion Sean Strickland. After five rounds the judges rendered a split-decision victory for Strickland. UFC president Dana White publicly affirmed the decision, stating he agreed with the judges’ scorecards.

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Lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan, a close friend of Chimaev, posted an Instagram statement after the bout. He asserted that the judges “got the scorecards wrong” and expressed confidence that Chimaev would regain the belt. Tsarukyan’s post also included a locker-room photo of himself with Chimaev taken before the fight.

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Dana White confirmed that Chimaev has informed UFC leadership of a planned move up to the light-heavyweight division (205 lb). White noted that the weight cut to 185 lb appeared to diminish Chimaev’s strength during the fight. Chimaev later messaged Strickland on X, indicating interest in a rematch, though no formal challenge has been issued.

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• Decision: Split-decision win for Strickland.

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• Weigh-ins: Chimaev was the last fighter on the scale at the official UFC 328 weigh-ins.

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• Recent Wins (Tsarukyan): Back-to-back victories over Charles Oliveira and Dan Hooker.

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Tsarukyan has been named the official backup fighter for the UFC Freedom 250 main event, pitting UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria against interim champion Justin Gaethje. Should either champion miss weight or be unable to compete, Tsarukyan will step in on short notice and receive compensation for training and making weight.

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Tsarukyan’s backup status positions him directly on the cusp of a lightweight title opportunity, potentially accelerating his ascent after consecutive high-profile wins. Simultaneously, Chimaev’s contemplated move to light-heavyweight could reshape the competitive landscape in both the middleweight and light-heavyweight divisions.

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Tsarukyan’s Instagram commentary directly challenges the judges’ split-decision verdict, contrasting with White’s endorsement of the outcome. The divergence highlights ongoing debate within the UFC community regarding scoring consistency and the impact of extreme weight cuts on fighter performance.

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> “We fought our hearts out tonight and everyone watching knows what really happened. Head up Champ. You will get your belt back soon,” — Arman Tsarukyan, UFC lightweight contender

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UFC Freedom 250 is scheduled to determine the next lightweight champion, with Tsarukyan poised to replace either Topuria or Gaethje if required. Meanwhile, Chimaev’s decision on a light-heavyweight debut remains pending, and his potential rematch with Strickland has yet to be formalized. Both developments will influence the trajectories of the fighters involved and the broader divisional hierarchies within the UFC.

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